The theme of our latest issue is Education and Urbanism. It’s a topic that fills us with excitement as we contemplate the fulfilled potential and future possibility. This issue we look beyond the classroom as simply an environment for teacher and student, to consider the role of our schools and universities in building social capital within our towns and cities.

We’re grateful to our contributors and, of course, to all the designers featured, whose work is what makes this issue. Their perspectives and insights are ever fresh and enlightening, as the following excerpts from Indesign #84 so wonderfully highlight…

Stephen Crafti’s exemplars of ‘Artful Presence’

The Hayman Theatre at Curtin University by With_Architecture Studio. Photo: Douglas Mark Black

Some would argue that a school’s arts and performance spaces are just as important as its STEM curriculum. Stephen Crafti presents two “heroic” cases in point.

Leanne Amodeo’s look into ‘Character Building’

Opole Kindergarten, Poland, by PORT. Photo: Christopher Frederick Jones

Learning spaces have to support a range of pedagogical frameworks that in turn support self-directed learning, collaboration and discovery. So what type of interior does this? Leanne Amodeo presents two case studies at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Ministry of Design’s Citi Wealth Hub

Citi Wealth Hub, Singapore, by Ministry Of Design. Photo: KHOOGJ

Biophilia in retail spaces is not new, but Ministry Of Design pushes it further with its highly imaginative design of Citi Wealth Hub. Retail never looked so fresh.

Cox Architecture’s Docklands Primary School

Docklands Primary School, Melbourne, by Cox Architecture. Photo: Peter Clarke

Cox Architecture has established a tiered and abundant learning oasis within the concrete metropolis of the Docklands.

ARM Architecture’s HOTA Gallery

HOTA Gallery, Western Australia, by ARM Architecture. Photo: Brett Boardman

The Gold Coast’s new HOTA Gallery engages with the post-modern city in a casual surfside manner, coming to life through an organic, Voronoi concept.

Emily Sutton’s exposé on Masterful Façades

‘Forest’ design concept, courtesy of Nudes

Architectural expression influences the way we engage with our education precincts. Lyons and John Wardle Architects marry design vision and innovative façade solutions to great effect. 

Hassell’s  The Wharf for Sydney Theatre Company

Sydney Theatre Company ‘The Wharf’, Sydney, by Hassell. Photo: Brett Boardman.

The sparkling renovation of Sydney Theatre Company reassures us that while the pandemic may buffet our sails, the arts community endures.

BLP and DS+R’s Susan Wakil Health Building

Susan Wakil Health Building at University of Sydney, by BLP in collaboration with DS+R. Photo: Brett Boardman.

Blur and blend: the conventional boundaries between academia and practice are thoughtfully broken down in the University of Sydney’s Susan Wakil Health Building.

Davenport Campbell’s The Foundry at South Eveleigh

The Foundry at South Eveleigh, Sydney, by Davenport Campbell. Photo: Steve Brown

Davenport Campbell delivers the second phase of CBA’s South Eveleigh campus with a future-fit workplace that aligns people with tech and innovation.

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Indesign’s latest issue, on Education and Urbanism, is out now
— get your copy here.